Rolex Service declined due to "Corroded & Mod 93160A SEL"

[Tools]

The Sea Dweller uses the same movement that half the other models use and parts are plentiful.

I wouldn't have any issue with a good independent doing a movement COA service.

There is little sense in having Rolex pressure test to full depth rating when it will never be exposed to that scenario.

[Apdl]

Can you find a trusted well known independant?

[Tomas Eriksson]

Originally Posted by Explorer2polar

This is the Corrosion that Rolex say requires bezel renewal !

Attachment 1416703

Very strange, I would not like to have it replaced to to that. Was that really a requirement and not only a recommendation?

[Explorer2polar]

Originally Posted by Tomas Eriksson

Very strange, I would not like to have it replaced to to that. Was that really a requirement and not only a recommendation?

I know I'm thinking exactly the same thing ! It was an Essential Requirement ! I honestly think Rolex are now just on a Cash Grab before WW 3.

You know what the swiss are like .

[Explorer2polar]

Originally Posted by Tools

The Sea Dweller uses the same movement that half the other models use and parts are plentiful.

I wouldn't have any issue with a good independent doing a movement COA service.

There is little sense in having Rolex pressure test to full depth rating when it will never be exposed to that scenario.

Yes I thought exactly the same get the watch back and send to an Independent, except I have already rang the recommended ones in the UK and they Say cannot get the parts for a Sea dweller 16600 any more as Rolex have placed a block on them ordering such things ! So its RSC or no service. Which cheeses me off no end.

[Cambo]

IF
RSC allowed the watch to be serviced with a modified bracelet, regardless of the quality of the mods, then you would receive an authentic service card, which, theoretically, could be used as evidence of a completely authentic, unmodified watch if sold. This would be a misrepresentation.

This is such a slippery slope for Rolex. Maybe I’m out to lunch, but their current policy, while rigid, seems the surest and most pragmatic way to keep their product pure.

If an owner wants to use non-Rolex service, no problem. But then get them to do a full service, not just the bracelet. Rolex service rules are no secret.

Just saying

[GGGMT]

Their position makes sense to be if I’m RSC. Why would I mess with stuff someone else did if I’m guaranteed it for 2 years? I wouldn’t.

Send in head only to another RSC and buy the new bracelet.


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[Explorer2polar]

Originally Posted by Cambo

IF
RSC allowed the watch to be serviced with a modified bracelet, regardless of the quality of the mods, then you would receive an authentic service card, which, theoretically, could be used as evidence of a completely authentic, unmodified watch if sold. This would be a misrepresentation.

This is such a slippery slope for Rolex. Maybe I’m out to lunch, but their current policy, while rigid, seems the surest and most pragmatic way to keep their product pure.

If an owner wants to use non-Rolex service, no problem. But then get them to do a full service, not just the bracelet. Rolex service rules are no secret.

Just saying

I'm not massively disagreeing with you, but to be reasonable there has to be a limit of what Rolex can lawfully offer in terms of service and meet the demands of their customers.

On balance it would be reasonable to have several Service options in terms of service offered authorised or independent, where to access service and the availability of genuine parts. What Rolex are trying to do is make a total 100% closed internal market and if you disagree they cut you off with no support.

I remember when some Auto Companies tried the same trick and rig the service repair Industry, for that they were hit hard with Block Exemption Regs in Europe.

Rolex have to be reasonable in the eyes of the Law and Consumer Law IMHO.

[seabreeze]

Originally Posted by Explorer2polar

This has to be the most bizarre reason ever that I'm aware that Rolex UK have declined to service my 16600 from 2006 unless I pay £1145 for a new bracelet. Why because they say the bracelet is "Corroded & Modified" and deemed an Essential replacement. In the last few months I elected to have the original bracelet refurbed by a specialist to keep my watch as original as possible.

To rub salt in an open wound they say they will not return the old bracelet, if I agree and buy new !

The original bracelet has had a some new pins fitted by one of the UK's top Rolex bracelet restorers and not only works perfectly it looks amazing with little to zero stretch and in No way likely to fail or become disconnected from my wrist.

As far as corrosion is concerned I think this is BS and so does the Bracelet restorer I used.

Has any body been in a similar situation with Rolex UK service centre at Kent ?

I cannot even use an Independent UK Rolex Authorised Service centre as they cannot get the parts for the Sea Dweller service from Rolex UK as this is one of the few models that they are not allowed to service and purchase spare parts for. It also has to do with pressure testing it.

Any advice..........other than let Rolex charge me for the cost of a new bracelet !

I think that is what you do. Lesson learned.

It’s just my opinion, but I think people either decide to keep the watch, going back to the factory, which seems like the common thing for newer watches or they decide to send them to watchmakers and never go back to the factory.

I’m not sure that you can do both which is what you just found out

I recently sent an omega CM in that I purchased from a Private Seller and part of the reason was to get it authenticated. And in hopes that if they found anything non-factory, they would swap it out which would give me incredible peace of mind.


Rolex doesn’t give a wit about your good intentions towards polishing or the quality of your aftermarket watchmaker – they have well establish rules that everybody who owns one knows, so is it a weird policy? I would describe it more as strict, but honestly, they are protecting the integrity of their brand, and I respect that .


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[Explorer2polar]

Originally Posted by seabreeze

I think that is what you do. Lesson learned.

It’s just my opinion, but I think people either decide to keep the watch, going back to the factory, which seems like the common thing for newer watches or they decide to send them to watchmakers and never go back to the factory.

I’m not sure that you can do both which is what you just found out

I recently sent an omega CM in that I purchased from a Private Seller and part of the reason was to get it authenticated. And in hopes that if they found anything non-factory, they would swap it out which would give me incredible peace of mind.


Rolex doesn’t give a wit about your good intentions towards polishing or the quality of your aftermarket watchmaker – they have well establish rules that everybody who owns one knows, so is it a weird policy? I would describe it more as strict, but honestly, they are protecting the integrity of their brand, and I respect that .


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I have just checked and had 16 Rolex & Tudor watches Serviced in the last 22 1/2 years having just checked my own records by Rolex in the Uk.

Its the 1st time I have had this experience where I genuinely feel that Rolex are taking the Micky. I have the last two watches which they serviced and warrantied in my hands now and both have had Bracelet refurbs prior to that service and Rolex did not cry squeak !

So for me its the inconsistency that is annoying, maybe i'm just unlucky maybe the watchmaker was being over the top..........who knows or cares.

The watch is on its way back to me as i type so will take some of the advice from the forum and move forward, that is all you can do.

Rolex ultimately will be the loser as the more they do this type of thing the more customers will think its not worth the hassle and expense.

[miket-nyc]

Two years ago I had my '83 Submariner serviced at Rolex NYC. I wear it on a NATO strap because I find bracelets uncomfortable. At first, Rolex said they wouldn't service it that way. Then the tech said that, because my watch was "vintage," it was OK to not have the bracelet.

Mike Taglieri

[Explorer2polar]

Originally Posted by miket-nyc

Two years ago I had my '83 Submariner serviced at Rolex NYC. I wear it on a NATO strap because I find bracelets uncomfortable. At first, Rolex said they wouldn't service it that way. Then the tech said that, because my watch was "vintage," it was OK to not have the bracelet.

Mike Taglieri

Thanks Mike .........Seems like another example of Rolex inconsistency.

[Pepperjack]

Originally Posted by Explorer2polar

Thanks Mike .........Seems like another example of Rolex inconsistency.

As someone who works at an AD shop, it's mind-numbing to keep track of. There have been so many changes and miscommunications in the past couple years. We're supposed to operate our shop just like an RSC, but when requirements keep changing we can't maintain that.

As it currently stands, as far as I can figure out, moder watches (watches with 41xx, 31xx, 32xx, 21xx, or 22xx) require an authentic bracelet, appropriate for the model, and in a condition that can be warrantied for two years. Classic & Vintage models can have a warranty exception applied to their bracelets.

As for the insert is concerned, I probably wouldn't have required that, but maybe I'm not understanding what their concern is. Possibly the lumi dot could fall out.

[Explorer2polar]

Originally Posted by Pepperjack

As someone who works at an AD shop, it's mind-numbing to keep track of. There have been so many changes and miscommunications in the past couple years. We're supposed to operate our shop just like an RSC, but when requirements keep changing we can't maintain that.

As it currently stands, as far as I can figure out, moder watches (watches with 41xx, 31xx, 32xx, 21xx, or 22xx) require an authentic bracelet, appropriate for the model, and in a condition that can be warrantied for two years. Classic & Vintage models can have a warranty exception applied to their bracelets.

As for the insert is concerned, I probably wouldn't have required that, but maybe I'm not understanding what their concern is. Possibly the lumi dot could fall out.

It does not surprise me one bit, the Assessor at the AD had a proper strop on because I asked for my watch to go to the UK Main Rolex service centre, 15 minutes I sat listening to her whining on about how good her inhouse servicing was.

I even wrote it on both receipts what my request was, just in case the switched it.

Only turns out that the Sea Dweller cannot be serviced at an AD Inhouse facility as they do not have the 4000 ft pressure tester ! and it would have had to go my requested Service Centre any ways.

She obviously wasn't aware of the latest Rolex servicing memo !

So is a 16600 a Classic, Vintage or Modern time piece ? any one know ?

[Minkus]

I serviced my wife's late father's 1999 Sub with Rolex. They said I needed a new bracelet (and it did need a new bracelet). I was told that they would not return the old bracelet. I intimated that the bracelet had significant sentimental value to my wife as it belonged to her late father and he wore the watch all the time. They put a new bracelet on the watch and returned the old bracelet.

[Pepperjack]

Originally Posted by Minkus

I serviced my wife's late father's 1999 Sub with Rolex. They said I needed a new bracelet (and it did need a new bracelet). I was told that they would not return the old bracelet. I intimated that the bracelet had significant sentimental value to my wife as it belonged to her late father and he wore the watch all the time. They put a new bracelet on the watch and returned the old bracelet.

I should have mentioned in my previous post that (again, as far as I understand from my service book) steel bracelets can be returned to the customer if requested with no 40% upcharge.

[Pepperjack]

Originally Posted by Explorer2polar

So is a 16600 a Classic, Vintage or Modern time piece ? any one know ?

That uses a 3135 movement and is considered a Modern Professional with a service price of $850 USD.

[seabreeze]

Originally Posted by Minkus

I serviced my wife's late father's 1999 Sub with Rolex. They said I needed a new bracelet (and it did need a new bracelet). I was told that they would not return the old bracelet. I intimated that the bracelet had significant sentimental value to my wife as it belonged to her late father and he wore the watch all the time. They put a new bracelet on the watch and returned the old bracelet.

In these matters, is it possible to just send in the watch head? i have no idea which is why I am wondering

[Explorer2polar]

Another example of Rolex's Cash Grab tactics ?

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=934811

[andrewjb88]

London RSC insisted my dads 16203 needed a new bracelet, it is a little stretched but nothing major, I pointed out that I didn't want the watch polishing and a new bracelet would be polished so it would look poor plus also with it being my dads watch the sentimental value was too high.


Who is recommended for bracelet repairs in the UK? I fancy a specialist taking a look at mine just to see how "bad" it is, my mum also has one of my dad's TAGs and that has awful stretch these days.

[drrd]

It’s surprising that ADs don’t always make this clear with the Sea Dweller range.

SD = RSC only.

These are highly engineered pieces and even Rolex certified watchmakers aren’t given the tools to open them and pressure test them.

Owners of Sky Dwellers and Daytonas should also be extra careful as Rolex are (I’m told) quite tight handing out training and parts accounts to service these pieces. If they go back to RSC after being tinkered with by uncertified wms then you’re going to get a similar reaction to the OP and a large bill to correct things.

[Dirt]

It's simple.
Remove your bracelet and send the watch head in sans bracelet and service the head. Also you need to buy a new bracelet without exchange because they likely won't touch the service component of the work unless they are happy that they have had their way with you.
That way you can sell your refurb bracelet fitted to the watch as all original or simply keep it in the safe either way.

It seems like an independent is completely out of the question, so suck it up.

[joli160]

Why do we all like this brand so much that we tolerate this BS policies